West Midlands Police officers (stock image) (Image: WMP)

Major update on Birmingham pensioner battered in her own home as police link more crimes

A 59-year-old man has been held on suspicion of 16 burglaries in Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell and Wolverhampton

by · Birmingham Live

A distraction burglary suspect has been arrested this morning after an elderly woman was battered in her own city home. A 59-year-old man has been held today (Thursday, October 10) on suspicion of 16 burglaries in Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.

West Midlands Police said officers executed a warrant at an address in South Yardley this morning. It follows a series of distraction burglaries with many targeting elderly victims over the last month. This includes an attack on an 88-year-old woman who was assaulted in her Erdington home.

The force still wants to hear from anyone who may be a victim of a distraction burglary. Police inquiries are ongoing.

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In a statement, police said: "We've arrested a man in connection with a series of distraction burglaries across the West Midlands. We acted on information and executed a warrant at an address in South Yardley this morning.

"A 59-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of 16 burglaries in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton. We've been investigating a series of distraction burglaries over the last month with many targeting elderly victims.

"An 88-year-old woman was assaulted during one offence in Erdington. We're grateful for all the support and information we've received from you during our enquiries so far.

"We still want information about the distraction burglaries, and to hear from anyone else who has been a victim. You can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/819250/24. Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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